Police investigating image that appears to show Sunderland fan making racist gesture to Romelu Lukaku

West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Clarke said he expected “appropriate
action” will be taken after Northumbria police launched an investigation
into allegations that striker Romelu Lukaku was racially abused at
Sunderland on Saturday.

Under investigation: Sunderland have said they are likely to ban the fan pictured if he is identified

A picture taken at the match seconds after the striker scored his side’s third goal shows a Sunderland supporter appearing to make a monkey gesture as he celebrated in front of him.

Sunderland have promised to lend the police investigation their full assistance and are likely to ban the fan if he is identified.

“Sunderland operates a policy of zero tolerance towards racism and anti-social behaviour of any kind and naturally we will co-operate with the police fully in investigating any such incidents,” said a club spokeswoman.

Clarke said there is “no place in the game or any walk of life” for some of the incidents that occurred in stadiums over the weekend.

Clarke had been critical earlier in the day of the behaviour of fans of his former club West Ham during the match at Tottenham. Some West Ham fans chanted “Adolf Hitler” and made hissing noises to the home support, which has historically contained a sizeable Jewish contingent.

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“There should be no place in the game, or in any walk of life, for some of the things that have transpired within stadiums over the weekend,” said Clarke. “The authorities are now looking into the incident at Sunderland and Romelu has our full support.”

The former Sunderland captain and anti-racism campaigner, Gary Bennett, is adamant the fan is ­making a racist gesture and is furious that his former club have been tarnished by his behaviour.

“I’ve seen the photo of this individual making an obvious racist gesture and it is shocking,” said Bennett. “I hope the club take strong action against him. It is really important that racism is not allowed to come back into the stands, no one wants a return to the bad old days”

Ged Grebby, Chief Executive of anti-racism charity, Show Racism the Red Card, which began its work in the North East, is hoping people come forward to help police identify the fan.

“We welcome the news that Sunderland Football Club and Northumbria Police have announced they will investigate this,” he said.